news> view from the andes - august 2008
explore places no one else goes...

Dancers from the Negrillos dance troupe in Paucartambo, 2008, and below Ariana with a "doctorcito" from the Wayra dance troupe. S5oi

Apus Peru staff members Ruben, Mario and Fredy enjoy the Paucartambo festival.

 

August… the month of paying homage to the earth in the high Andean regions in the form of “Pago de la tierra” (payment to the mother earth)… more details found here.

August is also arguably the busiest trekking month in Cusco, with clear skies and sunshiny days… most dates are filling up so its best to get in early, especially if you want to take advantage of the trekkers wanted system.

Far exceeding expectations, traditional Inca trail permits are now sold out until the end of October 2008. For many people, this means that an alternative trek to Machu Picchu is the only way that they can do a trek and see Machu Picchu – in some ways this is a ‘blessing in disguise' as on the alternative treks you have spectacular views, unspoiled landsapes and few other visitors (although depends on the trek!)

But… tell your friends who are planning a trip to Peru that if they want to do the traditional Inca Trail for 2008 they should book 6 months in advance at least!

Successful tours to Senor de Qollur Riti and Virgen de Carmen

Apus Peru was founded in the belief of providing alternative and unique Peruvian experiences. Fiestas are the most colourful, amazing insights into Peruvian culture but are often overlooked for the more standard trekking routes. This year we have operated successful and illuminating tours to the Lord of Qollur Riti and Virgen de Carmen. (You can see pictures on this page and also under the respective tour pages) The Lord of Qollur Riti pilgrimage/tour was so successful we are offering again in September this year.

If you are planning a trip to Peru in September, check out the Qollur Rii tour here - a truly once in a lifetime Peruvian cultural experience! (pictures of the May trip are to your right!)

CHECK OUT the Q'olluritty Pilgrimage departs 13 September 2008

Other important and fascinating Andean festivals in September include:

14 September - Lord of Huanca

21 September - Warichikuy (as good as Inti Raymi but less touristed!)

Peru is a very cultural rich country and if it is possible, we highly recommend that you plan your trip around cultural events - you won't be sorry! Check out our Cultural Events Calendar here.

Online reports!

We are pleased to announce that we now offer handwritten online reports. We do not have "one" testimonials page but on each trek page you will find reports from people who have done each trek with specific comments that pertain to that trip. Check them out!

South American Explorers Club discount

Apus Peru has recently signed with SAE (South American Explorers Club) to offer a 5% discount on treks to members of SAE. If you wish to take advantage of this discount please advise us on booking and present your original card upon final payment in Cusco .

KUSIKAY - PERU ESPECTACULAR

www.kusikay.com

We recently attended this fantastic show and all left with smiles on our faces – contemporary yet with historical elements, with spectacular costumes, vibrant Peruvian music and thrilling dance, Kusikay is without a doubt the best quality performance in Cusco ! Highly recommended as a way of understanding the power and importance of the Apus to the local people, done in a dramatic and exciting way!

Tuesday through Saturday 7.30pm

Teatro Garcilaso, Calle Unión 117, Cusco (frente al mercado de San Pedro)

Entry $30 per person

Contact us to make your booking!

Salkantay trek permit now being charged!

After a year of threats and conversation with the community of Mollepata, INC (the National Institute of Culture) now appear to be collecting the whopping 127 sole fee for the Salkantay trek. With no services or facilities along the way, its considered locally that this price is exorbitant. Now, when you combine the 122 sole Machu Picchu entry fee with the 127 sole Salkantay fee, trekkers are paying 249 soles (about $88) for a trek that has no facilities or ruins along its route

Revitalising weaving workshops program extends to more communities!

In late 2007 Apus Peru began sponsoring "Revitalising Weaving traditions" workshops in the high Andean communities of Rumira Sondormayo and Chaullacocha. These workshops will continue to be run 1-2 days a month in these communities and in June of this year Ariana from Apus Peru and Helder Gutierrez from the NGO RUFADA made a series of visits to other communities, namely Chupani, Yanamayo and Q'elkanka to investigate the possibilities of extending the workshops into these communities. As yet we only have funds for the workshops in Chupani, and the program will commence in this community in August 2008. Don't forget that if you are interested, you can attend one of these weaving days.

Reasons to book your alternate trek early!
 1. Apus Peru is a specialist operator and we limit the number of departures that we make at one time. This means that our guides and cooks are all part of the 'Apus family' and that once we receive bookings to our 'maximum capacity' we will no longer be able to accept bookings. We are committed to sustainability and this also means sustainability in terms of offering your our best product.
2. Imagine if you didn't know what your works program was going to be for the next month? Unsettling for you and your family, I would imagine…
As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, where possible, we try to schedule guides, cooks and muleteers programs at the beginning of each month. This means that they have more balanced programs (beneficial for those with families) and also have guaranteed work days for the month - most important in a fickle industry.
3. If you are keen to advertise your trek on the 'Trekkers Wanted' page, the sooner it is listed, the more page views your trek will receive and the more likelihood you will get others to join you.
The upshot?
There are no permits required for any of our treks but you need to get in EARLY to reserve the departure date you require. Our guides get booked up on a "first come, first served basis" so the best guides are booked first. Also, if you want others to join your trek, you have to be "in it to win it" - that is, you have to confirm and pay a deposit to list your trek and get others to join you.

 

Testimonials
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek - 8 days (also possible in 9 days)

How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10

How would you rate your guide? (10) The entire trek was fantastic – Felix, our guide, was knowledgeable and friendly, and our muleteer and cook were equally wonderful. Ariana, you were absolutely amazing with all the pre-trip planning!

Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes

How were your meals? 9

Route name Choquequirao- Machu Picchu What did you think of the route? I highly recommend this route, especially in comparison to the more touristed Incan Trail and Salkanty Trek. While we saw a few other backpackers en route to Choquequirao, the ruins were essentially empty, and it truly felt like we had uncovered a lost Incan city. The next few days of the journey, as we climbed mountain tops by the villages of Tortora and Yanama, were absolutely unbelievable. Other than a few locals and their donkeys, we encountered no one on the trail. Let me reiterate, absolutely zero gringos – exactly what we were looking for! The villages, their inhabitants, and the surrounding areas were all fantastic, and the picturesque scenery was truly and experience. While the last few days of the trip, when we had joined up with the Salkanty trail, were a welcome respite from the arduous trekking, in retrospect, I do think I would have changed the itinerary to avoid them. Instead, I think it would have been preferable to do the Choquequirao-Vilcabamba trek, and then simply take a train to Machu Picchu . If the Choquequriao trip could end via the Inca Trail (which I don't believe it can), that would be great as you'd have the experience of hiking to Machu Picchu itself.

What was the highlight of your trip? The highlight of the trip probably was the afternoon when we climbed Quiswar, a mountain pass outside of Yanama. Gomercindo, our muleteer, suggested the rarely-climbed route, and one that not even our guide had done. It was truly and adventure.
What ONE thing could be done to improve your Apus Peru experience? Nothing, you guys were absolutely great!
Any other comments? I cannot recommend Apus Peru enough. They designed a custom itinerary for my friend and I who wanted a private, adventure trek, and provided an unbelievable amount of assistance the whole time. From packing and airline advice, to hotel suggestions, the customer service was absolutely exemplary. More importantly, they executed on their promises and provided a trekking experience even better than we could have imagined. All the staff was professional, polite, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. What is more, Apus Peru supports the local, indigenous communities through development projects, something the more well-known trekking companies certainly don't do.

Phil Martin, USA, May 2008 , philhmartin@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lares and Machu Picchu trek - 4 days

How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10
How would you rate your guide? 9 (Willy) Willy was tremendously gracious and kind. He took great care and consideration when integrating our group with the local people. He was quick to respond to our needs too.
Did the trip meet your expectations? Yes.
How were your meals? (Herbert) 10 A little too large to finish, but quite delicious. I loved the popcorn and cake.
What did you think of the route? Gorgeous, a bit difficult at times for what I was expecting, but incredibly rewarding.
What was the highlight of your trip? (Lares and Machu Picchu) Playing with the children at Chaullacocha, and lunch on the second day. Also getting Willy's special headache "magic" treatments.
What is the ONE thing that could be done to improve your Apus Peru experience? Nothing comes to mind. Wonderful experience.
jennifer, USA, June 2008 email: jennifer.brandel (a) gmail.com

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APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.

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